Refrigerator

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0020408 filed on Mar. 5, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments relate to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator with an improved homebar configuration that allows easy removal and storage of items in the homebar basket.

In general, a refrigerator is provided with a plurality of storage compartments in which to store foods in frozen or refrigerated states, and doors pivotably provided on the storage compartments to selectively open and close the storage compartments.

In refrigerators manufactured recently, a homebar is often further installed on a portion of a door to prevent unnecessary loss of cold air from opening and closing the door. Here, a homebar is an element that allows access to beverages or foods inside the refrigeration compartment without having to open the refrigerator door.

The homebar may be provided with an opening through which items are removed, and a homebar door that opens and closes the opening. Also, a homebar may include a basket provided on a surface of the homebar door to store items such as beverage bottles and water containers.

However, in order to remove items from the basket or store items in the basket, a user experiences difficulties in having to stoop or insert a hand deep inside the homebar because the basket is positioned lower than the opening of the homebar through which items are extracted.

In particular, because beverage bottles with long necks or tall water containers can be stored in a homebar basket, a user experiences the inconvenience of having to tilt such an item when extracting it because it would otherwise catch on the edges of the homebar opening.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a refrigerator with an improved homebar configuration enabling items stored in a homebar basket to be easily removed and stored.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator with a homebar basket that is linked to the opening and closing of a homebar door, in order to facilitate extraction by a user of items stored inside the homebar.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body defining a storage compartment; a refrigerator door pivotably coupled to the main body and defining an opening; a homebar door on the refrigerator door, for selectively opening and closing the opening; a basket pivotably provided on the refrigerator door; and a connecting device connecting the homebar door and the basket, for tilting the basket when the homebar door is pivoted.

In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes; a main body defining a storage compartment; a refrigerator door pivotably coupled to the main body, and defining an opening; a homebar door pivotably coupled to the refrigerator door to selectively open and close the opening; a linking member connected to a side of the homebar door and disposed to pass in forward and rearward directions through the refrigerator door; and a basket provided to be pivotable according to movement of the linking member.

In a further embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body defining a storage compartment; a refrigerator door pivotably coupled to the main body, and defining an opening; a homebar door pivotably coupled at a front of the refrigerator door to open and close the opening; a through-hole defined through the refrigerator door at least at one side of the opening; a basket pivotably coupled to a rear surface of the refrigerator door; and a linking member extending forward and rearward of the refrigerator door through the through-hole, and connecting the homebar door and the basket.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a homebar for a refrigerator according to a first embodiment.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a rear perspective view of a homebar for a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view showing a door of a homebar for a refrigerator according to the first embodiment in a closed state.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a sectional view of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> cut along line I-I′.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a sectional view showing the homebar door in a closed state.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a sectional view showing the structure of a homebar for a refrigerator according to a second embodiment.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a rear perspective view of a homebar for a refrigerator according to a third embodiment.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view showing a door of a homebar for a refrigerator according to the third embodiment in a closed state.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref> are sectional views showing a homebar door according to the third embodiment in closed and open states.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a rear perspective view of a homebar for a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a homebar for a refrigerator according to a first embodiment, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a rear perspective view of a homebar for a refrigerator according to the first embodiment, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view showing a door of a homebar for a refrigerator according to the first embodiment in a closed state.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 3</figref>, a refrigerator <b>1</b> according to present embodiments includes a main body <b>10</b> with an open front defining a freezer compartment and a refrigeration compartment, and a freezer compartment door <b>11</b> and a refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> for selectively opening and closing the front of the main body <b>10</b>.

At the approximate center of the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> is a homebar <b>100</b> provided for a user to easily store and remove comparatively smaller food items.

In the drawings, a side-by-side type refrigerator is exemplarily illustrated, which has a freezer compartment and a refrigeration compartment provided to the left and right of one another. However, the location of the freezer compartment and refrigeration compartment is not an important factor, and present embodiments can equally be applied to top mount refrigerators with the freezer and refrigeration compartments disposed above and below one another, and to bottom freezer refrigerators with the refrigeration compartment disposed on top and the freezer compartment disposed therebelow.

In detail, the main body <b>10</b> includes a refrigeration compartment (not shown) in which foodstuffs requiring storage at a higher temperature ranging from 2° C.-5° C. are stored, and a freezer compartment (not shown) in which foodstuffs requiring frozen storage are stored.

Unlike the depiction in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the homebar <b>100</b> may be provided on the freezer compartment door <b>11</b>, or may be provided on both the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> and the freezer compartment door <b>11</b>.

In further detail, the homebar <b>100</b> includes an opening <b>101</b> into and from which food is inserted and extracted, a homebar frame <b>102</b> formed around the edges of the opening <b>101</b> to define the exterior of the homebar <b>100</b>, and a homebar door <b>103</b> for opening or closing the opening <b>101</b>. The opening <b>101</b> is actually defined in the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b>.

Also, a homebar door liner <b>104</b> is formed at the rear of the homebar door <b>103</b>. The homebar door liner <b>104</b> is configured to contact the homebar frame <b>102</b> and seal the inside of the refrigerator when the homebar door <b>103</b> is closing the opening <b>101</b>.

The homebar door <b>103</b> is pivotably coupled about a hinge portion <b>107</b> provided at the bottom of the homebar <b>100</b>.

A latching member <b>106</b> that fixes to the homebar frame <b>102</b> when the homebar door <b>103</b> closes the opening <b>101</b> is provided on the inner, upper portion of the homebar door <b>103</b>.

A latch assembly <b>105</b> is provided on the homebar frame <b>102</b> to latch with the latching member <b>106</b> when the homebar door <b>103</b> is closed.

Here, when the homebar door <b>103</b> closes, the latching member <b>106</b> is inserted in and latches to the latch assembly <b>105</b> to maintain the homebar door <b>103</b> in a closed state. Also, a pressing portion (to be described below), capable of being pressed by a user to open the homebar door <b>103</b>, is provided on the front surface of the homebar door <b>103</b>. Thus, the latching member <b>106</b> and the latch assembly <b>105</b>, together with the pressing portion, can collectively be referred to as an “opening/closing mechanism” for opening and closing the homebar door <b>103</b>.

Further, a connecting device <b>120</b> is provided on the homebar <b>100</b> to connect the homebar door <b>103</b> to a basket (to be described below) provided on the rear surface of the homebar <b>100</b>. The basket may be tilted in a predetermined direction by means of the connecting device <b>120</b> when the homebar door <b>103</b> is opened.

Below, a description of the form and function of the connecting device <b>120</b> will be described with reference to the drawings.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, a refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> according to present embodiments is provided with a basket <b>110</b> that is tilted in a predetermined direction according to the opening/closing of the homebar door <b>103</b>, and a connecting device <b>120</b> connected to the basket <b>110</b> to tilt the basket <b>110</b>.

In detail, the connecting device <b>120</b> includes a first linking member <b>121</b> and a second linking member <b>122</b> that connect the homebar door <b>103</b> and the basket <b>110</b>.

The first linking member <b>121</b> and the second linking member <b>122</b> are provided at either side of the opening <b>101</b> of the homebar <b>100</b>. Here, the first linking member <b>121</b> and the second linking member <b>122</b> may have different link lengths.

The first linking member <b>121</b> is coupled to the rear surface of the homebar door <b>103</b>, and the second linking member <b>122</b> is coupled to a side of the basket <b>110</b>.

The first linking member <b>121</b> is connected to a first connector <b>124</b> provided on a side of the homebar door <b>103</b>, and the second linking member <b>122</b> is connected to a second connector <b>125</b> provided on a side of the basket <b>110</b>. The first linking member <b>121</b> and the second linking member <b>122</b> can pivot about the first connector <b>124</b> and the second connector <b>125</b>, respectively.

The first linking member <b>121</b> and the second linking member <b>122</b> are coupled together at a coupling portion <b>123</b>. The coupling portion may be provided with a fastening member (not shown) for fastening the first linking member <b>121</b> and the second linking member <b>122</b>.

The first linking member <b>121</b> and the second linking member <b>122</b> can pivot about the coupling portion <b>123</b> with respect to each other.

Also, a through-hole <b>108</b> is defined in the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b>, through which the first linking member <b>121</b> and the second linking member <b>122</b> can pass through the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> and move forward and rearward. The through-hole <b>108</b> may be formed at either side of the opening <b>101</b>.

To enable the linking members <b>121</b> and <b>122</b> to move forward and rearward in a linked state through the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b>, the through-holes <b>108</b> may be defined vertically elongated with a length greater than the pivoting radii of the linking members <b>121</b> and <b>122</b>.

A supporting edge <b>109</b> is formed on the bottom of the through-hole <b>108</b> to support one of the linking members <b>121</b> and <b>122</b> during forward and rearward movement of the linking members <b>121</b> and <b>122</b> through the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b>.

With the linking member <b>121</b> or <b>122</b> contacting the supporting edge <b>109</b>, the supporting edge <b>109</b> functions as a lever that transfers driving force from the homebar door <b>103</b> to the basket <b>110</b>.

While not shown in the drawings, the supporting edge <b>109</b> may be provided with a supporting member that prevents damage to the inner surface of the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> from the linking members <b>121</b> and <b>122</b>.

A projecting catch <b>114</b> is formed on either side surface of the basket <b>110</b> so that the basket <b>110</b> catches on the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b>. Also, a stopper <b>115</b> is provided at a location on the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> corresponding to the projecting catch <b>114</b>.

With the basket <b>110</b> coupled to the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b>, the projecting catch <b>114</b> contacts the outside of the stopper <b>115</b>. The basket <b>110</b> may be tilted about the stopper <b>115</b>.

Specifically, the stopper <b>115</b> acts as a hinge enabling tilting of the basket <b>110</b>, and may be provided with a round sectional shape. One side of the projecting catch <b>114</b> may be formed rounded to enable the projecting catch <b>114</b> to be guided around the outer periphery of the stopper <b>115</b>.

The front edge surface of the basket <b>110</b> may be formed rounded to allow the basket <b>110</b> to be easily tilted about the stopper <b>115</b>. Here, the basket <b>110</b> may be tilted without being impeded by the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b>.

The projecting catch <b>114</b> may be positioned at the front of the second connector <b>125</b>. Here, the basket <b>110</b> may receive force through the second linking member <b>122</b> and be easily tilted about the stopper <b>115</b>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a sectional view of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> cut along line I-I′, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a sectional view showing the homebar door in a closed state.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows the basket <b>110</b> being tilted by means of the connecting device <b>120</b> when the homebar door <b>103</b> is opened, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows the basket <b>110</b> being returned to its original state by means of the connecting device <b>120</b> when the homebar door <b>103</b> is closed.

In detail, when the homebar door <b>103</b> is being opened, the first linking member <b>121</b> moves in the opening direction of the homebar door <b>103</b>, and the second linking member <b>122</b> moves in an external direction of the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> while connected to the first linking member <b>121</b>.

Also, at least a portion of the second linking member <b>122</b> can contact the supporting edge <b>109</b> of the through-hole <b>108</b>, and the basket <b>110</b> can be tilted by the second linking member <b>122</b>. Here, the basket <b>110</b> is tilted about the stopper <b>15</b> of the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b>, so that the rear end of the basket <b>110</b> can be rotated upward while tilting.

Conversely, in the closing of the homebar door <b>103</b>, the first linking member <b>121</b> can move toward the inside of the refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> according to the pivoting of the homebar door <b>103</b>.

Then, the second linking member <b>122</b> can be rotated in a predetermined direction about the coupling portion <b>123</b> according to the movement of the first linking member <b>121</b>. Also, the basket <b>110</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, can be returned to its original position by the rotation of the second linking member <b>122</b>.

Through the above configuration, the basket <b>110</b> can be tilted simultaneously with the opening and closing of the homebar door <b>103</b>, allowing a user to easily access items in the basket <b>110</b>.

Below, the configuration of a homebar for a refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Because the only difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the structure of the connecting device, reference numerals assigned to other like elements of the first embodiment will also be used in the present embodiment.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a sectional view showing the structure of a homebar for a refrigerator according to a second embodiment.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a homebar <b>100</b> for a refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a connecting device <b>220</b> for connecting the homebar door <b>103</b> and the basket <b>110</b>.

In detail, the connecting device <b>220</b> is configured with one linking member. The connecting device <b>220</b> includes a door connector <b>221</b> connected to the homebar door <b>103</b>, and a basket connector <b>222</b> connected to the basket <b>110</b>. Here, the door connector <b>221</b> and the basket connector <b>222</b> may be integrally formed.

One end of the door connector <b>221</b> is coupled to the inner surface of the homebar door <b>103</b>, and one end of the basket connector <b>222</b> is coupled to a side surface of the basket <b>110</b>. The connecting device <b>220</b> may be provided at either side of the basket <b>110</b>.

A first connector <b>224</b> connected to the connecting device <b>220</b> is provided on the homebar door <b>103</b>, and a second connector <b>225</b> connected to the connecting device <b>220</b> is provided on the basket <b>110</b>.

The connecting device <b>220</b> has a rough “L” shape, and is fixed to the first connector <b>224</b> and the second connector <b>225</b>.

Accordingly, the connecting device <b>220</b> retains its original shape when the homebar door <b>103</b> is pivoted or the basket <b>110</b> is tilted, and can maintain the same angle formed by the homebar door <b>103</b> and the basket <b>110</b>.

The operation of the above connecting device <b>200</b> will now be described.

When the homebar door <b>103</b> is opened, the door connector <b>221</b> moves in the opening direction of the homebar door <b>103</b>. Therefore, the basket connector <b>222</b> moves in the direction in which the door connector <b>221</b> moves, and thus, the basket <b>110</b> can receive force from the basket connector <b>222</b> and be tilted.

During closing of the homebar door <b>103</b>, the door connector <b>221</b> moves in the closing direction of the homebar door <b>103</b>. Accordingly, the basket connector <b>222</b> moves in the direction in which the door connector <b>221</b> moves, and thus, the basket <b>110</b> can receive force from the basket connector <b>222</b> and be returned to its original position.

Through the above configuration, the homebar basket can be simultaneously tilted or returned to its original position with the opening and closing of the homebar door.

Descriptions of the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention will be provided with reference to the drawings. Compared to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the present embodiments are different only in the structures of the connecting device for the homebar and the basket, and therefore description will focus on the differences, and like reference numerals will be given to like elements in the first and second embodiments.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a rear perspective view of a homebar for a refrigerator according to a third embodiment, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view showing a door of a homebar for a refrigerator according to the third embodiment in a closed state.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>, a refrigeration compartment door <b>12</b> according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a basket <b>310</b> that is tilted in a predetermined direction according to the opening and closing of the homebar door <b>103</b>, and a connecting device <b>320</b> connected to the basket <b>310</b> for tilting the basket <b>310</b>.

In detail, the connecting device <b>320</b> includes a linking member <b>321</b> that connects the homebar door <b>103</b> to the basket <b>310</b>. The linking member <b>321</b> is provided in plurality—at the left side and the right side of the opening <b>101</b> of the homebar <b>100</b>.

Configured in the shape of a bar, the linking member <b>321</b> has one end connected to the basket <b>310</b> and the other end connected to the rear surface of the homebar door <b>103</b>.

Also, a fixing portion <b>124</b> (in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>) to which the linking member <b>321</b> is connected is provided on a side of the homebar door <b>103</b>, and a guiding slot <b>311</b> to which the linking member <b>321</b> is movably attached is defined in a side of the basket <b>310</b>.

The guiding slot <b>311</b> is formed rounded to enable the linking member <b>321</b> to easily pivot. That is, the guiding slot <b>311</b> is formed in a circular arc shape corresponding to the pivoting path of the linking member <b>321</b>.

The guiding slot <b>311</b> defines a catching edge <b>311</b><i>a </i>that catches the linking member <b>321</b> and enables the basket <b>310</b> to be tilted in one direction.

Also, a rolling member <b>323</b> is provided at the bottom end of the linking member <b>321</b>, and is inserted in the guiding slot <b>311</b> to roll along the guiding slot <b>311</b>. Specifically, the rolling member <b>323</b> may be rotatably coupled to the linking member <b>321</b>.

Below, the operation of a homebar door according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref> are sectional views showing a homebar door according to the third embodiment in closed and open states.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows the basket <b>310</b> returned to its original state by the connecting device with the homebar door <b>103</b> shut, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows a basket <b>310</b> according to embodiments of the present invention tilted by the connecting device <b>320</b> when the homebar door <b>103</b> is opened.

Below, a description of the linked tilting process of the basket <b>310</b> during the processes of the homebar door <b>103</b> being opened and closed will be provided.

First, in the opening process of the homebar door <b>103</b>, the linking member <b>321</b> may rotate in the opening direction of the homebar door <b>321</b>, or counterclockwise. Here, with the linking member <b>321</b> contacting the supporting edge <b>109</b>, it can easily be rotated by means of the lever principle.

Then, the rolling member <b>323</b> connected to a side of the linking member <b>321</b> rolls along the guiding slot <b>311</b>.

when the rolling member <b>323</b> catches on the catching edge <b>311</b><i>a </i>while moving, the rolling member <b>323</b> imparts force moving the basket <b>310</b> upward. During opening of the homebar door <b>103</b>, the rolling member <b>323</b> presses against a side end of the guiding slot <b>311</b>.

Then, the basket <b>310</b> may be tilted about the stopper <b>315</b>.

Conversely, during closing of the homebar door <b>103</b>, the linking member <b>321</b> can be rotated clockwise according to the pivoting of the homebar door <b>103</b>. Here, with the linking member <b>321</b> in contact with the supporting edge <b>109</b>, it can easily be rotated by means of the lever principle.

Thus, the basket <b>310</b> is rotated clockwise about the stopper <b>315</b>. In this process, the rolling member <b>323</b> maintains a latched state with the catching edge <b>311</b><i>a </i>of the guiding slot <b>311</b>.

When the basket <b>310</b> is returned to its original position, the linking member <b>321</b> continuously rotates clockwise, and the rolling member <b>323</b> rolls along the guiding slot <b>311</b>.

When the linking member <b>321</b> is disposed at the other end of the guiding slot <b>311</b>—that is, the end opposite to the catching edge <b>311</b><i>a</i>, the operation of the linking member <b>321</b> stops.

Below, a description will be provided of the structure of a homebar for a refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Because the present embodiment differs from the third embodiment only in the structure of the connecting device, like descriptions and like reference numerals for like elements in the third embodiment will be used.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a rear perspective view of a homebar for a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, a homebar <b>100</b> for a refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is provided with a connecting device <b>420</b> that connects the homebar door <b>103</b> and a basket <b>410</b>.

In detail, the connecting device <b>420</b> includes a linking member <b>421</b> connecting the homebar door <b>103</b> and the basket <b>410</b>, and a gear member <b>423</b> connected to a side of the linking member <b>421</b> to move along the guiding slot <b>411</b>.

The gear member <b>423</b> is rotatably coupled to the linking member <b>421</b>. The linking member <b>421</b> can easily pivot in a predetermined direction according to movement of the gear member <b>423</b>.

A guiding slot <b>411</b> is defined in the basket <b>410</b> to guide the pivoting of the linking member <b>421</b>. Also, the guiding slot <b>411</b> may be configured as a rack gear <b>411</b><i>a </i>corresponding to a pinion gear configuration of the gear member <b>423</b>.

The gear member <b>423</b> may rotate and move along the rack gear <b>411</b><i>a. </i>

A brief description on the operation of the connecting device will be provided.

First, in the opening of the homebar door <b>103</b>, the linking member <b>421</b> may rotate in the opening direction of the homebar door <b>103</b>.

Then, the gear member <b>423</b> rotates and moves along the guiding slot <b>411</b>. When the gear member <b>423</b> moves and then catches on the catching edge <b>411</b><i>a</i>, the gear member <b>423</b> imparts force to move the basket <b>410</b> upward.

Then, the basket <b>410</b> may be tilted about the stopper <b>415</b>.

Conversely, when the homebar door <b>103</b> is closed, the linking member <b>421</b> can move in the closing direction of the homebar door <b>103</b> according to the pivoting of the homebar door <b>103</b>.

Then, the basket <b>410</b> returns to its original position about the stopper <b>415</b>.

In this process, the gear member <b>423</b> rotates and moves along the guiding slot <b>411</b>, and the operation of the linking member <b>421</b> is stopped when one end of the linking member <b>421</b> reaches the end of the rack gear <b>411</b> opposite the catching edge <b>411</b><i>a. </i>

Through the above configuration and operation, a basket can easily be tilted or returned to its original position simultaneously with opening and closing of a homebar door by a user.

In the embodiments configured as above, because a homebar basket is connected to a homebar door, when the homebar door is opened and closed, the homebar basket can easily be tilted.

Also, because driving force from opening and closing the homebar door is transmitted to the homebar basket via a linking mechanism, the driving force transmitting configuration is simplified.

Further, because removal and insertion of items is made easy, user convenience is increased and product reliability is improved.

Through the above-described refrigerator, the operation of a homebar door and basket is made easier to increase user convenience.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with others of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this invention. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the invention, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.